Today’s Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms, Flooding, and High Fire Danger

Today’s Weather Alert

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued urgent warnings for severe weather conditions on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. These conditions include severe thunderstorms, localized flooding, and high fire danger in several provinces. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to minimize risks.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

SAWS has highlighted severe thunderstorms that could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential infrastructure damage. The impact-based warnings include:

• Orange Level 5 Warning:
  • Regions Affected: Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga.
  • Potential Impacts:
    • Heavy downpours leading to flooding of roads and settlements.
    • Closure of bridges and roads.
    • Damage to infrastructure.
    • Severe travel disruptions.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning:
  • Regions Affected: Mopani District, eastern Vhembe District of Limpopo, and extreme eastern Highveld of Mpumalanga.
  • Potential Impacts: Similar to the Level 5 warning, with slightly reduced severity.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning:
  • Regions Affected: Northwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Potential Impacts:
    • Localized flooding of roads and settlements.
    • Minor infrastructure damage.

High Fire Danger Alerts

Extreme fire danger conditions have been forecast for:

• Northern Cape (central parts).
• Western Free State.

These areas are at increased risk of runaway fires due to dry and windy conditions. Residents are urged to avoid open flames and adhere to local fire safety regulations.

Provincial Weather Forecast

Here’s a breakdown of expected weather conditions across the provinces:

1. Gauteng:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy and warm with scattered afternoon thundershowers.
• Precautions: The UVB sunburn index is high; use sunscreen and limit sun exposure.

2. Mpumalanga:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy and warm to hot, with scattered thundershowers. Widespread showers are expected along the escarpment and Lowveld, where it will be very hot in places.

3. Limpopo:

• Conditions: Cloudy in the west during the morning with fog patches; otherwise, partly cloudy and warm to hot. Scattered thundershowers are expected, isolated in the northwest.

4. North West:

• Conditions: Cloudy in the west during the morning with fog patches; otherwise, partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated to scattered thundershowers.

5. Free State:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy, windy, and warm to hot with isolated to scattered thundershowers in the eastern parts.

6. Northern Cape:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy, windy, and warm to hot with isolated to scattered thundershowers in the eastern parts.

7. Western Cape:

• Conditions:
  • Morning: Cloudy and cool with isolated showers along the south coast.
  • Afternoon: Fine and warm in the western parts.
• Precautions: High UVB sunburn index—protection is essential.

8. Eastern Cape:

• Western Half: Cloudy and cool with isolated to scattered showers and rain.
• Eastern Half: Partly cloudy in the extreme northwest; otherwise cloudy and cool with isolated showers.

9. KwaZulu-Natal:

• Conditions: Morning fog patches over the interior; cloudy and cool to warm. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected in the afternoon.

How to Stay Safe

• Flooding Risks:
  • Avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers.
  • Secure valuables and important documents in waterproof containers.
• Storm Safety:
  • Stay indoors during thunderstorms.
  • Unplug electrical devices to avoid damage from power surges.
• Fire Precautions:
  • Refrain from open flames or burning debris in fire-prone areas.
  • Report any unattended fires immediately.

Severe weather can strike quickly, causing disruptions and posing risks to safety. Stay informed by regularly checking updates from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and following instructions from local authorities. Prioritize your safety and take precautions to protect yourself and your property.